The Impeachment Court has formally accepted the prosecution’s withdrawal of three articles in the ongoing trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that the defense is no longer required to present evidence on Articles 1, 3, and 4, following the court’s acknowledgment of the prosecution’s manifestation.
With this ruling, only Article 2—alleging unexplained wealth—remains for deliberation and will serve as the sole basis for conviction or acquittal.
Escudero clarified that Article 3 was withdrawn “without prejudice” to the respondent, noting that the prosecution failed to present or deduce any evidence to support the charge. He emphasized that the withdrawal applies strictly to the current proceedings.
As a result, Articles 1, 3, and 4 will not be submitted to the senator-judges for final voting. The defense is fully absolved from presenting evidence on these counts, and the sub judice rule will no longer apply to the withdrawn articles. # (ZIA LUNA)
